• Our clinics are based in Benson nr Wallingford and Abingdon (Locations Link). We are accepted by all major insurance companies. By checking company or family policies patients often find they are covered for a course of treatment.

• Osteopaths are trained to recognise and treat a number of causes of pain and dysfunction and all osteopaths are recognised under the auspices of the `Osteopaths Act` (1993). Further information relating to how osteopaths treat, the philosophy behind treatment and also what to expect when visiting an osteopath can be found in our FAQs section. More information is available at the osteopathic information pages or you can phone me to discuss any aspects of treatment on t: 01491-838866

•Rohan Iswariah D.O. is a fully trained osteopath, registered with the General Osteopathic Council since its inaugeration in May 2000. I gained my qualification from The British School Of Osteopathy in 1983 and have been in full time practice treating all age groups for a wide range of conditions ever since. All osteopaths are required to undertake regular development and training (CPD). Here is a list of courses and lectures that I have attended since 2004 as part of a continual learning and advancement process.

Osteopath Rohan writes about the health benefits of gardening

There
is plenty of research to show that gardening is good for your health

However gardening can cause aches and pains in the back, shoulders,
elbows and knees mainly.

In this blog I will try to advise on how gardening is good
for your general health and also how to avoid injury when participating?

Ten Health
benefits.

Gardening
can reduce the risk of stroke along with other exercise

Gardening
burns calories. One hour of light work can burn 300+ calories,

3.Engaging in at least four hours of any exercise
each week is associated with weight loss, reported the authors of a review
published in “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise”
in February 2009.

4.Gardening includes
weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise which are important
for building and maintaining bone density

5.Gardening can reduce psychological stresses
and might be more effective than some other forms of exercise a report from the
Netherlands suggested.

6.This in turn can help prevent the leaching of
calcium from bone into the blood to balance the acidic stress hormones like
cortisol.

7.Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones by enhancing intestinal
absorption of calcium; we get most of ours from sunlight exposure, and gardening
is largely an outside pursuit

8.The best times to make vitamin D from
sunlight is from March to October, especially from 11am
to 3pm. Remember to avoid overexposure to sunlight though!

9.The connection to land has profound mood
boosting benefits.

10.As too much stress weakens the immune system,
it follows that any activity that helps us to relax will improve the immune
system.

Many benefits are afforded by hobbies involving gardening
but we need to do this safely and try to avoid injury.

Twelve
tips to reduce injury risks.

1. Don`t do a lot of heavy lifting,
digging or weeding in one go to avoid over-fatigue

2. Avoid bending forwards for long periods and take regular
breaks

3. Access ground level by
kneeling but avoid to much pressure on the knee caps by using a kneeler

4. Wet soil may be easier to dig
but is heavier to carry

5. Use smaller spades with longer
handles (Better leverage)

6. Weeding by using a hoe can
help and remember large roots can be awkward so don`t twist the body too much
when pulling

7. Divide up large loads for
carrying, try to use a wheelbarrow when possible

8. Work at comfortable heights
where possible

9. Avoid rotating too much when
mowing lawns with hover mowers and be careful when pulling the cord on petrol
mowers

10.A hot bath can help relax
muscles afterwards, but remember if you have injured yourself heat can make inflammation
worse so seek advice

11. Also seek advice if an ache or
pain persists and doesn`t seem to be going away